The United Kingdom is set to implement a new travel permit system for visitors from the United States and European Union who do not require visas. Starting in 2025, these travelers will need to obtain a £10 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Britain.
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, announced that the ETA system will be rolled out in phases. Non-European nationals will be required to obtain an ETA from January 8, 2025, while European nationals will need to comply from April 2, 2025. This new requirement marks a significant change in the UK's border control policies, following its departure from the European Union in 2020.
The ETA system, initially introduced in November 2023 for certain Gulf countries, aims to enhance security and provide a comprehensive understanding of those traveling to the UK. This aligns with the UK's long-standing efforts to refine its immigration policies, which have been evolving since the introduction of the Immigration Act 1971.
Each ETA will allow multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months over a two-year period or until the holder's passport expires, whichever comes first. This digital authorization, linked to the traveler's passport, is designed to facilitate more robust security checks before journeys begin.
However, the implementation of the ETA system has not been without controversy. Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest international hubs, reported a significant drop in transfer passenger numbers on routes affected by the ETA requirement. The airport has urged the government to review the inclusion of airside transit passengers in the scheme, citing concerns about its impact on hub competitiveness.
In a separate but related development, Cooper also announced a new visa requirement for all visitors from Jordan, effective immediately. This decision was made due to an increase in asylum claims and high rates of border refusals since the visa requirement was lifted in February 2024. The Home Secretary emphasized that this change was implemented solely for migration and border security reasons, stating:
"We are taking this action due to an increase in the number of Jordanian nationals travelling to the UK for purposes other than what is permitted under visitor rules since the visa requirement was lifted in February 2024."
Despite this policy change, Cooper stressed that the UK's relationship with Jordan remains strong and friendly. This reflects the complex balance the UK must maintain between border security and international relations, particularly with key allies in the Middle East.
The introduction of the ETA system and the changes to visa requirements for Jordanian nationals demonstrate the UK's ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen its border control measures. As the global landscape of travel and immigration continues to evolve, the UK, like many other countries, is adapting its policies to meet new challenges and security needs.